Smith-Schuster suspended by NFL for hit on Burfict

Pittsburgh Steeler wide receiver Juju Smith-Schuster has been suspended by the NFL for this Sunday’s game against Baltimore after his blindside block on Cincinnati linebacker Vontaze Burfict. Smith was flagged for unnecessary roughness on the play. The NFL said the suspension was due to the violent and unnecessary shot to the head and neck area.

Steelers linebacker Ryan Shazier remains in a Cincinnati hospital recovering from a back injury suffered in the game Monday against the Bengals. The Steelers said he does not need surgery at this time after suffering whas is called a “spinal cord contusion”. He is expected to be transferred at some point to UPMC in Pittsburgh.

The Steelers have signed linebacker Sean Spence to replace Shazier. Spence was drafted by the Steelers in the third round in 2012. He signed as a free agent with Tennessee last season, before signing a one-year deal with Indianpolis this season. He was released October 3rd by the Colts.

The NFL has denied an appeal by New England tight end Rob Gronkowski, and he will miss the Patriots game against the Miami Dolphins Monday. Gronkowski was suspended one game for a hit to the head of a Buffalo defensive back well after a play last Sunday.